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The tank gauging system measures precise batches and custody transfers

A tank gauging system is a critical solution for accurately measuring liquid levels, volume, mass, and temperature in storage tanks. It’s essential for:

  • Precise batch measurements during blending or transfer
  • Custody transfer operations where legal and financial accountability is required

These tank gauging systems ensure compliance with industry standards such as OIML R85 and API MPMS, enabling accurate inventory control and transaction validation.

Key Functions

  1. High-accuracy level measurement (typically with radar or servo gauges)
  2. Temperature and density compensation
  3. Volume and mass calculations
  4. Real-time inventory monitoring
  5. Water bottom detection
  6. Interface with control tank gauging systems (SCADA, DCS)

Used In

  • Oil & gas terminals
  • Petrochemical plants
  • Bulk liquid storage farms
  • Refineries
  • Logistics hubs for fuels and chemicals
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Servo tank gauge with efficient inventory management

A Servo Tank Gauge  with efficient inventory management capabilities is a high-precision instrument widely used in tank farms, refineries, petrochemical plants, and terminals to measure and manage bulk liquid inventory — especially for custody transfer and critical stock control.

Let’s break down how an STG contributes to efficient inventory management:

What is a Servo Tank Gauge?

A Servo Tank Gauge uses a servo-driven motor to lower a sensing weight (or displacer) into the tank. It precisely measures:

Product level

Interface level (oil/water separation)

Density

Temperature (via integrated temperature sensors)

Real-World Benefits

Improved custody transfer accuracy = financial accountability

Reduced product loss through tighter reconciliation

Faster inventory decisions from real-time data

Automation-ready for unmanned terminals or remote tank farms

Forecasting and analytics via integration with inventory management software

Common Interfaces for Integration

HART

Modbus RTU/TCP

Foundation Fieldbus

Profibus

OPC DA/UA

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Monitors bottom loading of grounding and overfill protection system

Monitoring the bottom loading of grounding and overfill protection systems is critical in industries like fuel distribution, chemical handling, and hazardous materials transfer. These systems are designed to ensure safe loading operations by preventing static discharge and tank overfilling — two major causes of fire and environmental hazards.

What Is Bottom Loading?

Bottom loading refers to filling a tank (usually a fuel tanker or storage tank) from the bottom inlet rather than the top. It:

  • Minimizes static build-up
  • Reduces vapor release
  • Speeds up loading

Key Functions of a Grounding and Overfill Protection Monitoring System

✅ 1. Grounding Verification

  • Ensures the tanker or container is properly grounded before loading begins.
  • Monitors for continuity between the truck and earth ground.
  • Automatically interlocks loading system — it won’t begin unless grounding is verified.

✅ 2. Overfill Protection

  • Uses sensor probes inside the tank to detect product levels.
  • Alerts operators or shuts down flow when a preset fill level is reached.
  • Ensures compliance with API RP 1004 and EN 13922 standards for petroleum tankers.

✅ 3. System Interlocks and Alerts

  • Visual indicators (green/red lights) show safe or unsafe conditions.
  • Audible alarms alert in real-time.
  • May also provide relay outputs to control pumps, valves, or PLCs.

Integration With Automation Systems

Can be integrated with:

  • Terminal Automation Systems (TAS)
  • SCADA/PLC control systems
  • Batch loading controllers

Enables automated record-keeping, real-time safety feedback, and remote monitoring

Application Scenarios

  • Petroleum loading racks
  • Chemical tank farms
  • Aviation fuel depots
  • Railcar and truck bottom loading stations
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Instrumentation Oil Movement with Tank Gauging System

Great topic! Instrumentation for oil movement using a tank gauging system plays a key role in ensuring accurate, safe, and efficient measurement and control of oil during storage, transfer, and distribution processes in terminals, refineries, and petrochemical facilities.

✅ What Is Tank Gauging in Oil Movement?

A Tank Gauging System (TGS) is a measurement solution that monitors the level, temperature, volume, pressure, and density of liquids in storage tanks. In oil movement, it ensures accurate custody transfer and inventory management.

✅ Core Instruments Involved:

1. Level Gauges

  • Radar Gauges (e.g., Guided Wave or Non-Contact Radar)

Measure tank level with high precision.

Common in modern systems for oil storage tanks.

  • Servo Gauges

Provide ultra-precise level and interface measurements (often in custody transfer).

2. Temperature Sensors

  • Multi-spot RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors)

Monitor product temperature at different heights.

Crucial for volume correction and density calculations.

3. Pressure Sensors / Transmitters

Monitor vapor pressure or product pressure at the bottom of the tank.

Important in pressurized tanks or floating-roof tanks.

4. Tank Side Monitor (TSM)

Interfaces with field instruments and provides local display.

Transmits data to the central control system.

5. Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG) System

Collects, logs, and analyzes all tank data.

Interfaces with the plant’s DCS (Distributed Control System) or SCADA system.

✅ Key Benefits in Oil Movement:

Accurate Volume Measurement: Converts tank levels into standard volume using temperature and density data.

Safety: Prevents spills, overfills, and vapor emissions.

Inventory Control: Real-time tracking of stock levels and movement.

Custody Transfer Accuracy: Reduces disputes and ensures regulatory compliance.

Remote Monitoring: Enables centralized operations and quicker response times.

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Portable density meter with an ergonomic design

A portable density meter with an ergonomic design is a must-have for field or lab professionals who need quick, accurate measurements without the bulk of benchtop equipment. Here’s what to look for and a few top recommendations:

Key Features of an Ergonomic Portable Density Meter

✅ Ergonomic Design

  • Lightweight and compact: Easy to hold with one hand.
  • Rubberized or contoured grip: For long use without fatigue.
  • Tilted or intuitive touchscreen display: Improves readability during fieldwork.
  • Single-button or guided workflow: Makes operation smooth and efficient.

✅ Performance Specs

  • Measures density, and often specific gravity, concentration, or API gravity.
  • Temperature-compensated readings.
  • Accuracy typically around ±0.001 g/cm³ or better.
  • Fast measurement time (usually under 1 minute).

✅ Durability

  • Shock-resistant casing and IP-rated for dust or water resistance (IP54–IP67).
  • Battery-operated with long runtime and USB charging.

Where It’s Used

  1. Petroleum industry (API gravity, fuel testing)
  2. Food & beverage (sugar content, alcohol %)
  3. Pharma (solution concentration)
  4. Chemical plants & labs (reaction monitoring)
  5. Environmental monitoring (river water, effluent checks)
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Servo tank gauge for high accuracy liquid level measurement

A servo tank gauge (STG) is a highly precise instrument used for liquid level measurement in industrial tanks. It is commonly applied in oil, chemical, and LNG storage facilities where high accuracy, reliability, and compliance with international standards are required.

1. How a Servo Tank Gauge Works

A servo motor controls a displacer (sensor weight) that is suspended in the liquid. The gauge continuously adjusts the position of the displacer to maintain equilibrium, measuring the liquid level, interface, and density with high precision.

2. Key Features of Servo Tank Gauges

✅ High Accuracy – Measures liquid levels with millimeter precision (±0.4 mm or better).
✅ Multi-Parameter Measurement – Simultaneously measures level, density, and interface between two liquids.
✅ Continuous Monitoring – Provides real-time data for inventory management and process control.
✅ Automatic Compensation – Adjusts for factors like temperature, density changes, and tank movement.
✅ Compliance with Industry Standards – Meets API, OIML, and ISO guidelines for custody transfer and inventory control.
✅ Integration with Tank Gauging Systems – Works with SCADA, DCS, and inventory management software for remote monitoring.

3. Applications of Servo Tank Gauges

  1. Oil & Gas Storage – Measures crude oil, refined petroleum, and LNG in bulk storage tanks.
  2. Chemical Industry – Monitors liquids with varying densities and interfaces in chemical tanks.
  3. Marine & Bunkering – Ensures precise fuel measurement in ships and offshore platforms.
  4. LNG & Cryogenic Storage – Works in low-temperature environments with high accuracy.

4. Choosing the Right Servo Tank Gauge

  • Measurement Range – Select a gauge suitable for tank size and liquid type.
  • Accuracy Requirements – Choose high-precision models for custody transfer applications.
  • Explosion-Proof & Hazardous Area Certification – Essential for use in flammable liquid storage.
  • Integration with Other Sensors – Some models include temperature probes and pressure transmitters for complete tank monitoring.
  • Communication Protocols – Look for Modbus, HART, or Foundation Fieldbus compatibility for easy integration.